A Left Ventricular Assist Device, commonly referred to as an LVAD, is a mechanical pump designed to support or replace the pumping function of the left ventricle, one of the four chambers of the human heart. LVADs are typically used in individuals with severe heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s demands.
LVADs are surgically implanted into the chest and connected to the heart, helping to circulate blood throughout the body. They consist of a pump, a power source (usually an external controller and batteries), and tubing that connects the device to the heart and a blood vessel. The pump is responsible for drawing blood from the left ventricle and then pushing it into the aorta, allowing the heart to work less strenuously.
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